Study each student's TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) results. The TABE test is an assessment of the student's skills in core academic areas. The student's adult education intake professional administers the TABE test, then sends the results to the GED teacher. Note the student's areas of strengths and weaknesses, particularly the reading level. A ninth grade reading level is recommended for success for taking the GED exam. If the student's reading level is low, begin an individualized reading program for the student that starts at his level and builds up to at least the ninth grade reading level.
Devise an individual study program for each student based upon the TABE score areas that showed a need for improvement. List the areas of needed study on the GED study sheet, giving appropriate GED supplemental material. This becomes the basis for study for the independent work time during class. Conference with the student once you have completed this, explaining that his TABE scores showed that these skills were in need of improvement.
Organize each teaching day into two parts: whole class teaching time and individual work time. During whole class time, present lessons geared to the class's common weaknesses. For instance, if vocabulary knowledge is generally low, vocabulary is given.The other half of the class is for each student working on his individual study plan. The teacher circulates around the room and goes over what was missed with each student.
Encourage your students every day. Adult education students may not have had a good experience in school, so it is imperative that you support and guide them. Teach in plain English. Show them various strategies that they can use every day to improve their skills and for gaining the knowledge they will need in order to pass the GED test.